On March 22, 2006, two individuals that had been arrested on minor offenses filed a 42 U.S.C. § 1983 class action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, challenging the Sheriff's blanket policy of strip-searching all detainees upon their arrival at the Gloucester County ...
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On March 22, 2006, two individuals that had been arrested on minor offenses filed a 42 U.S.C. § 1983 class action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, challenging the Sheriff's blanket policy of strip-searching all detainees upon their arrival at the Gloucester County Jail, regardless of the offense charged, and regardless of whether the detainee was suspected of possessing contraband. The plaintiffs, who had been strip searched pursuant to this policy, alleged that that the policy violated the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. To remedy the constitutional violations, Plaintiffs sought compensatory and punitive damages, declaratory and injunctive relief, and class certification.

The Gloucester County Sheriff answered Plaintiffs' complaint by generally denying the allegations.

County of Gloucester
Gloucester County Department of Corrections
Gloucester County Department of Sheriff

Plaintiff Description

All persons who, commencing on May 24, 2004, have been or will be placed in custody of Gloucester County Jail after being charged with misdemeanors, traffic infractions, or other minor crimes, and were or will be strip searched upon entry.